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HomeHome Spyware DatabaseSpyware Database MetaSearch Removal Guide"MetaSearch Removal Guide"

MetaSearch Removal Guide

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MetaSearch Description

MetaSearch is a browser hijacker that changes default Internet Explorer start and search pages to sites on quitmetasearch.com domain. The spyware runs on every Windows startup and contacts predefined web servers. It has the ability to update itself via the Internet. MetaSearch doesn't spread and must be manually installed.

Disclaimer:

  1. SpywareRemove.com IS NOT associated, affiliated, consorted, or connected with the publishers MetaSearch.
  2. We object, reject, and disapprove all the malicious and objectionable business practices of the publishers of MetaSearch.
  3. Our goal and objective is to completely eliminate the promotion of MetaSearch and other malware publishers off the Internet. In addition, we seek the complete deletion of all the malware programs, including all their polymorphic variants, which are developed and distributed all over the Internet, in the same manner as the publishers of MetaSearch.
The readers of this posting should not confuse, mistake, or associate this article to be a promotion or advertisement of MetaSearch, since the aim of this posting is to educate users on how to detect and eliminate MetaSearch off their computer. Any information provided is "as is" for reference and educational purposes only.

How can I Detect MetaSearch?

The most common spyware removal tactic is to uninstall MetaSearch by using the "Add/Remove Programs" utility. However, as there may still be hidden MetaSearch files, it's possible that MetaSearch will reappear after reboot. Follow the MetaSearch detection and removal methods below.

MetaSearch Automatic Detection (Recommended)

Is your PC infected with MetaSearch? To safely & quickly detect MetaSearch, we highly recommend you...

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter's malware scanner detects MetaSearch on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove MetaSearch and other malware threats.

MetaSearch Manual Removal Instructions

Below is a list of MetaSearch manual removal instructions and MetaSearch components listed to help you remove MetaSearch from your PC. Backup Reminder: Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

Note: This manual removal process may be difficult and you run the risk of destroying your computer. We recommend that you use SpyHunter's malware detection tool to check for MetaSearch.

Step 1 : Use Windows File Search Tool to Find MetaSearch Path

  1. Go to Start > Search > All Files or Folders.
  2. In the "All or part of the the file name" section, type in "MetaSearch" file name(s).
  3. To get better results, select "Look in: Local Hard Drives" or "Look in: My Computer" and then click "Search" button.
  4. When Windows finishes your search, hover over the "In Folder" of "MetaSearch", highlight the file and copy/paste the path into the address bar. Save the file's path on your clipboard because you'll need the file path to delete MetaSearch in the following manual removal steps.
    Read more about How to Find MetaSearch with File Search Tool

Step 2 : Use Windows Task Manager to Remove MetaSearch Processes

  1. To open the Windows Task Manager, use the combination of CTRL+ALT+DEL or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
  2. Click on the "Image Name" button to search for "MetaSearch" process by name.
  3. Select the "MetaSearch" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  4. Remove the "MetaSearch" processes files:

  5. Read more about How to kill MetaSearch Processes

Step 3 : Use Registry Editor to Remove MetaSearch Registry Values

  1. To open the Registry Editor, go to Start > Run > type regedit and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Locate and delete the entry or entries whose data value (in the rightmost column) is the spyware file(s) detected earlier.
  3. To delete "MetaSearch" value, right-click on it and select the "Delete" option.
  4. Locate and delete "MetaSearch" registry entries:

  5. Read more about How to Remove MetaSearch Registry Entries

Step 4 : Use Windows Command Prompt to Unregister MetaSearch DLL Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then click the "OK" button.
  2. Type "cd" in order to change the current directory, press the "space" button, enter the full path to where you believe the MetaSearch DLL file is located and press the "Enter" button on your keyboard. If you don't know where MetaSearch DLL file is located, use the "dir" command to display the directory's contents.
  3. To unregister "MetaSearch" DLL file, type in the exact directory path + "regsvr32 /u" + [DLL_NAME] (for example, :C\Spyware-folder\> regsvr32 /u MetaSearch.dll) and press the "Enter" button. A message will pop up that says you successfully unregistered the file.
  4. Search and unregister "MetaSearch" DLL files:

  5. Read more about How to Remove MetaSearch DLL Files

Step 5 : Detect and Delete Other MetaSearch Files

  1. To open the Windows Command Prompt, go to Start > Run > type cmd and then press the "OK" button.
  2. Type in "dir /A name_of_the_folder" (for example, C:\Spyware-folder), which will display the folder's content even the hidden files.
  3. To change directory, type in "cd name_of_the_folder".
  4. Once you have the file you're looking for type in "del name_of_the_file".
  5. To delete a file in folder, type in "del name_of_the_file".
  6. To delete the entire folder, type in "rmdir /S name_of_the_folder".
  7. Select the "MetaSearch" process and click on the "End Process" button to kill it.
  8. Remove the "MetaSearch" processes files:

  9. Read more about How to Delete Harmful Files

MetaSearch Recommendation

RECOMMENDED: To avoid the unnecessary risk of damaging your computer, we highly recommend you use a good malware remover to track MetaSearch and automatically remove MetaSearch as well as other spyware, adware, trojans, and virus threats in your PC.

If you believe you have MetaSearch installed on your computer, check for MetaSearch with SpyHunter's Malware Scanner.


SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove MetaSearch and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool. Since new MetaSearch files are constantly being released, it is normally advised to run SpyHunter's scanner weekly to get the latest updates on MetaSearch and other malware threats.

To learn more on MetaSearch, see our MetaSearch resource section below.


More MetaSearch Resources

What is Browser Hijackers?


MetaSearch is a type of Browser Hijackers.

Browser hijackers change your Internet web browser settings without your permission. Sometimes this means changing your home page to a pay-per-click site so that the author of the browser hijacker software earns money. Sometimes browser hijackers may change your ?search? page so that all your queries lead to pay-per-click sites, while also tracking your Internet activity. Unfortunately, simply restoring your browser to factory settings usually will not prevent the browser hijacker from working.

Think you have MetaSearch? Run SpyHunter's malware scan and automatically detect MetaSearch on your PC.

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MetaSearch Prevention Rules


Protect your computer from MetaSearch and other spyware by following these four easy prevention rules.

Rule #1: Keep your Windows Security up-to-date

Microsoft provides updates weekly and can always be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website.
Tip: Regularly visit Windows Update and set your computer to receive security & critical updates automatically.

To get Microsoft Update, go to IE > Tools > Windows Update > Product Updates, and select "ALL High-Priority Security Updates" from the list.

Then open IE and go to Internet Options > Security > Internet, then press "Default Level", then OK. Now press "Custom Level."

Rule #2: Download and install a reliable anti-spyware software

A good anti-spyware software that recognizes current MetaSearch spyware as well as other forms of spyware can can be the answer to all your security issues. Listed below is an anti-spyware program that can effectively reverse the damage of your computer and detect MetaSearch automatically.

Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner Download SpyHunter's Malware Scanner

SpyHunter's free version is only for malware detection. To remove MetaSearch and other malware threats, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool.

Rule #3: Install and keep your firewall turned on

A firewall is essential for a complete protection of your PC. Make sure that your firewall is always turned on. A firewall can prevent unwanted software like MetaSearch from infecting your computer.

Rule #4: Keep your anti-spyware definitions up-to-date

Since new MetaSearch files can be created every day, it is important to keep your anti-spyware program up-to-date. Your anti-spyware scanner should have an update feature where with a click of a button you can get new spyware definitions instantly. Often, an anti-spyware software will open an update window reminding you that there are new updates available.

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